In response to the alarming rise in conjunctivitis cases across the province, the Punjab government has taken the decision to close all public and private schools from September 28 to October 1.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball.
State-run hospitals in Punjab have reported an influx of 500-600 patients, with Lahore being the hardest-hit city in the province. Notably, this eye infection has not discriminated by age, affecting individuals of all age groups.
Medical experts attribute the rapid spread of pinkeye to densely populated urban areas where individuals are exposed to unfavorable environments, including factories, bazaars, markets, and shopping plazas.
In response to this surge in cases, the Punjab School Education Department issued a notification today, announcing a four-day holiday for all schools. Schools are expected to reopen on Monday, October 2, with strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the department to curb the disease’s spread.
The department has directed all chief executive officers in the province to ensure full compliance with this order.
Additionally, Interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a video message, emphasized that these holidays were crucial to reducing the disease’s spread and estimated a 50% reduction in cases.
Upon the reopening of educational institutions, eye inspections will be conducted for students across the province to identify and manage cases promptly.
